Long story, but in a nut shell I did not properly align my panels way back when I was working on this truck in a parking lot. All before I got a garage, good enough was good enough and I just burned in a lower rear patch panel to get by. Anyways, now that I am taking the time to get it done right... I aligned the door to the rear of the cab and installed the fender. This is where I noticed the fender was short. As you can see in the picture by the shortage compared to the rocker panel. Just looking for some expertise and a little direction before I start hacking at it and making more work than needed. Thanks!!!

Here it is. I have the top of the fender in line with the body line on the door. It is not the original fender either. When I did the patch, I measured and made it all the same length but never compared it on the truck since it was burned (years ago) till now.

Without the hood on you don't know if that fender is too high up or not. The top is ending at the body line on the door. I don't know those trucks well but I think the fender goes a little lower as the hood ends about at that body line which means the fender would need to be about 3/16" below that, I am thinking that fender goes down a bunch.

You REALLY can't do anything until all the parts are on and you can move them around to see what you have.

I hear ya. I have the other side all set up and it is set the same way, except it fits well. (pics in my journal) The hood was on, but I took it off to finish stripping it down, but it sits right on that line. All the contours of the fender are way off if there is any deviation from the height of that upper body line. It is actually a very easy truck to align panels on. I am pretty sure when I chopped it way back when, I went short but I will re install the hood and play with it tonight.

Of course that little cowl cover is also very important, maybe more important than the hood being the hood doesn't meet up with the door. But honestly, trail fitting all parts for stuff like this is VERY important.

My sisters husband had a few of those trucks when new, one he put trippower on it with a Muncie and it was black, very nice. I didn't like them at all back then, but I have gotten to over the years, nice looking truck.

Brian, I just wanted to take a moment to thank you for sharing your time and know-how with us! I'm about to get going on a 61 Chevy truck restoration and have been studying paint & bodywork on this forum for a long time. I've learned so much from you!(and a handfull of other guys) I'm sure I'll make mistakes but at least I have a good foundation of knowledge to work from.

No problem, it's my pleasure. When I did my convertible top a while back Dan and some others on the interior forum reminded me much we can help someone who has never done something. After all the help they gave me, believe me I am more than happy to help someone doing paint and body. The learning curve is MUCH too steep without help.

Got the cowl cover on, and it is definitely short by 1/4" or so.... and yes, the patch was on the fender. Back when I was very naive and impatient. Paying for it now though. I appreciate your advice much Brian! So I guess my question is, where would the best place be to slice and add some metal to fill into the gap?

I know how you're feeling there '66'. I have thought about that road, but before I go there, l want to see If I can recover from this error. You're right about the year group. It is a 65 C-20. Here are the as it is photos. The right side is perfect. And then there is the mess on the drivers side. Still tweaking to get the best fit. Just a matter of where to hack it at on the lower half. If all else fails, I will throw down the Dinero and get a new one.

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